Magnetic band clasp

ABSTRACT

A magnetic band clasp includes a female clasp assembly of a first band segment and a male clasp assembly of a second band segment. The female clasp assembly defines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposed underneath. The male clasp assembly includes a projection that may include a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity. In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiple cavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned in adjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/219,562, filedSep. 16, 2015 and titled “Magnetic Band Clasp,” the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to attachment mechanisms.More particularly, the present embodiments relate to magnetic bandclasps for wearable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Many different devices include attachment mechanisms that can be used toattach the devices to various objects. Some attachment mechanisms may beused to mount a device to another object, such as the dashboard of amotor vehicle. Other attachment mechanisms may be used to attach thedevice to a user. Bands, lanyards, tethers, and the like fall into thislatter category.

Many bands include a clasp that is operable to secure two band segmentsaround a body part of a user, such as the user's arm or wrist. Often,such a clasp may include a buckle with a tongue affixed to a first bandsegment that interacts with one or more holes on a second band segment.Such a clasp may operate by feeding the second band segment through thebuckle and projecting the tongue through one of the holes in the secondband segment. Thus, the buckle and the tongue may be positioned proud ofthe band and exposed when the clasp joins the two band segments.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to magnetic band clasps. A female claspassembly of a first band segment defines one or more cavities with oneor more magnetic elements disposed underneath. A male clasp assembly ofa second band segment includes a projection having a magnetic element.Magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements couples the first andsecond band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity.

In various embodiments, a magnetic band clasp for a wearable electronicdevice includes a first band segment, a female clasp assembly coupled tothe first band segment, a second band segment, and a male clasp assemblycoupled to the second band segment. The female clasp assembly includes afemale mating component defining a cavity and a female magnetic elementcoupled to the female mating component. The female mating componentincludes an alignment feature.

The male clasp assembly includes a male mating component having aprojection and a male magnetic element coupled to the male matingcomponent. Magnetic attraction between the male magnetic element and thefemale magnetic element couples the first and second band segments whenthe projection is positioned in the cavity. The alignment feature guidesinserting the projection into the cavity. The first band segmentobscures the projection when the projection is positioned in the cavity.

In some examples, the male magnetic element may be a permanent magnetand the female magnetic element may be ferromagnetic material. Thefemale mating component may be formed of a nonmagnetic material. Thefemale mating component may be at least one of plastic or metal.

In various examples, the alignment feature may be a tapered edgeadjacent the cavity. The edge may be curved.

In some embodiments, an adjustable band for a wearable electronic deviceincludes a first band segment, sockets defined in the first bandsegment, a set of first band segment magnetic elements that are eachdisposed under one of the sockets, a second band segment, a protrusioncoupled to the second band segment, and a protrusion magnetic elementcoupled to the protrusion. Magnetic attraction between the protrusionmagnetic element and one of the set of first band segment magneticelements couples the first and second band segments when the protrusionis positioned in the one of the sockets.

In various examples, the adjustable band may include adhesive bondingthe protrusion magnetic element to the protrusion. The adjustable bandmay also include adhesive bonding the protrusion to the second bandsegment.

In some examples, the adjustable band may include a first retainingstructure and a second retaining structure. The protrusion may bedisposed on the first retaining structure. The first retaining structuremay be bonded to a shelf located in an aperture defined by the secondband segment. The second retaining structure may be bonded to the shelfopposite the first retaining structure. A portion of the first retainingstructure may be positioned within a cavity defined by the secondretaining structure.

In various examples, the protrusion may be covered by the first bandsegment when the first and second band segments are coupled. In someexamples, the first band segment and the second band segment may beformed of at least one of silicone, fluoroelastomer, or leather.

In various embodiments, a method of constructing a band clasp mayinclude molding a first band segment around ferromagnetic materials todefine recesses where each of the recesses are proximate to one of theferromagnetic materials, bonding a permanent magnet to a plug, andbonding the plug to a second band segment such that the first bandsegment and second band segment are coupleable via magnetic attractionbetween the permanent magnet and one of the ferromagnetic materials whenthe plug is inserted into one of the recesses.

In some examples, molding the first band segment around theferromagnetic materials to define the recesses may include configuringthe recesses in mounts, bonding the ferromagnetic materials to surfacesof the mounts opposite the recesses, and molding the first segmentaround the mounts. In various examples, the operation of molding thefirst band segment around the ferromagnetic materials to define therecesses may include forming at least one curved corner proximate toeach of the recesses.

In some examples, the method may also include subjecting the first bandsegment to a magnetic field to magnetize the ferromagnetic materials.The operation of subjecting the first band segment to the magnetic fieldmay be performed during molding of the first band segment. In variousexamples, the method may also include configuring the second bandsegment with a recessed shelf wherein the bonding the plug to the secondband segment includes bonding the plug to the recessed shelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a wearable electronic device having a band with amagnetic band clasp;

FIG. 2 depicts the clasped first and second band segments of FIG. 1 withthe main body of the wearable electronic device removed;

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of the clasped first and secondband segments of FIG. 2, taken along line A-A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B depicts removal of the projection of the male clasp assemblyfrom one of the cavities;

FIG. 3C depicts positioning of the removed projection in another of thecavities;

FIG. 4A depicts a female mating component of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B depicts a top view of the female mating component of FIG. 4Aafter bonding of the female magnetic element to a recess;

FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the bonded female matingcomponent of FIG. 4B, taken along line B-B of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 4D depicts the first band segment, showing the band molded aroundfemale mating components;

FIG. 5A depicts an exploded view of the male clasp assembly coupled tothe second band segment, illustrating how the components of the maleclasp assembly couple to the second band segment;

FIG. 5B depicts an assembled view of the male clasp assembly coupled tothe second band segment, illustrating how the components of the maleclasp assembly couple to the second band segment;

FIG. 6A depicts an additional example of a band segment in accordancewith further embodiments;

FIG. 6B depicts a cross-sectional view of the band segment of FIG. 6A,taken along line C-C of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A depicts an additional example of a band segment in accordancewith further embodiments;

FIG. 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of the band segment of FIG. 7A,taken along line D-D of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of an additional example of a bandsegment in accordance with further embodiments;

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of another additional example of aband segment in accordance with further embodiments; and

FIG. 10 depicts an example method of forming magnetic band clasp. Theexample method may form one or more of the magnetic band claspsillustrated in FIGS. 1-7B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, andapparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure.However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may bepracticed in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

The following disclosure relates to magnetic band clasps for wearableelectronic devices. A female clasp assembly of a first band segmentdefines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposedunderneath. A male clasp assembly of a second band segment includes aprojection having a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between themagnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when theprojection is positioned in the cavity. This may allow for simple andefficient coupling and decoupling of the band segments without usingtraditional clasping mechanisms that project through band segmentsand/or have exposed portions during use that can damage other surfaces.In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiplecavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned inadjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments.

In some implementations, the cavity is defined in a female matingcomponent incorporated into the female clasp assembly. In some examplesof such an implementation, the magnetic element of the female claspassembly is coupled to the female mating component before the femalemating component is coupled to the first band segment. In otherimplementations, the cavity may be formed on the first band segment thathas the magnetic element of the female clasp assembly embedded therein.

In various implementations, an alignment feature is positioned aroundthe cavity. The alignment feature guides inserting the projection intothe cavity. For example, the alignment feature may have edges or cornersadjacent the cavity that are tapered or curved such that a mouth of thecavity is wider than the interior of the cavity. Thus, the mouth of thecavity is wider than the projection to guide inserting the projection.

In some implementations, the magnetic element of the female claspassembly may be a ferromagnetic material (e.g., materials that can bemagnetized by an external magnetic field and remain magnetized after theexternal field is removed) and the magnetic element of the male claspassembly may be a permanent magnet (e.g., a magnetized material thatcreates its own persistent magnetic field). In such an implementation,the first band segment may be molded around the ferromagnetic materialand the projection may be bonded to the second band segment.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-10. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 depicts a wearable electronic device 100 having a band 102 with amagnetic band clasp. The wearable electronic device 100 may include amain body 101 that may be coupled and/or otherwise attached to a user'sbody part (such as the user's wrist) by clasping a first band segment103A with a second band segment 103B (which may be formed of variousflexible materials such as silicone, fluoroelastomer, leather, and soon). FIG. 2 depicts the clasped first and second band segments 103A and103B of FIG. 1. For purposes of clarity, the main body 101 of thewearable electronic device 100 removed and the first and second bandsegments 103A and 103B are arranged flat. As shown, the first and secondband segments 103A and 103B overlap when coupled.

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of the clasped first and secondband segments 103A and 103B of FIG. 2, taken along line A-A of FIG. 2.One or more female clasp assemblies 310 coupled to the first bandsegment 103A may interact with a male clasp assembly 316 coupled to thesecond band segment 103B to clasp the first and second band segments103A and 103B.

The female clasp assembly 310 is referred to as “female” because itreceives at least a portion of the male clasp assembly 316. Similarly,the male clasp assembly 316 is referred to as “male” because at least aportion of the male clasp assembly 316 is received by the female claspassembly 310.

The female clasp assembly 310 may define a cavity 313 (also encompassinga socket, recess, indent, depression, aperture, and so on) in which aprojection 320 (also encompassing a protrusion, plug, protuberance,knob, and so on) may be positioned by inserting the projection 320 atleast partially into the cavity 313. Magnetic attraction between one ormore female magnetic elements 312 coupled to the first band segment 103A(or a set of first band segment magnetic elements) and a male magneticelement 322 coupled to the projection 320 (or a projection or protrusionmagnetic element) may couple the first and second band segments 103A and103B when the projection 320 is positioned in the cavity.

The female clasp assembly 310 may include an alignment feature 314 thataids insertion of the projection 320 into the cavity 313. In thisimplementation, the alignment feature 314 may be an edge adjacent to thecavity that is curved, tapered, or otherwise shaped such that a mouth ofthe cavity is wider than an interior of the cavity. The interior of thecavity 313 may have one or more dimensions sized correspondingly to theprojection 320. As the mouth of the cavity 313 has wider dimensions thanthe projection 320 due to the curved edges of the alignment feature 314,a user may be more easily able to insert the projection 320 at leastpartially into the cavity 313 than if the mouth of the cavity matchedthe dimensions of the projection 320 more closely. The curved surfacemay also guide the projection 320 into the cavity 313.

The female clasp assembly 310 may include one or more female matingcomponents 311 (also encompassing a mount). The female mating component311 may define the cavity 313. Further, the alignment feature 314 may bepart of the female mating component 311, such as a part of an exteriorsurface. In various implementations, the female mating component 311 maybe formed of stainless steel or other metals, plastic, elastomer, and/orother materials. Optionally, such materials may be nonmagnetic. Thefemale magnetic element 312 may be bonded to the female mating component311, such as using adhesive 327.

However, it is understood that this is an example. In variousimplementations, the cavities 313 may be formed on the first bandsegment 103A and the female mating components 311 may be omitted. Insuch an implementation, the female magnetic elements 312 may be embeddedin the first band segment 103A, for example disposed under the cavities313.

The male clasp assembly 316 includes a first retaining structure 318 anda second retaining structure 319 that together form a male matingcomponent. The first and second retaining structures 318 and 319 may bepositioned in an aperture 317 of the second band segment 103B. The firstand second retaining structures 318 and 319 may be bonded to oppositesides of a shelf 328 positioned in the aperture 317, such as viaadhesives 325 and 326. As illustrated, the shelf 328 is configured as aring. However, in other examples the shelf 328 may be annular, beconfigured as multiple separate shelves around the aperture 317, and/orbe otherwise configured. Similarly, the adhesives 325 and 326 are shownas rings but may be annular, be configured as multiple separate adhesivesections around the shelf 328, and/or be otherwise configured. Thesecond retaining structure 319 may define a cavity 324 in which aportion of the first retaining structure 318 is positioned after thefirst and second retaining structures 318 and 319 are bonded to oppositesides of the shelf 328.

Although the projection 320 is illustrated and described as bonded tothe second band segment 103B via the first retaining structure 318, itis understood that this is an example. In various implementations, theprojection 320 may be formed from the second band segment 103B withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

The projection 320 may be disposed on and form part of the firstretaining structure 318. The first retaining structure 318 may define arecess 323 on an opposing side and underneath (from the perspectiveshown in FIG. 3A) the projection 320. The male magnetic element 322 maybe positioned in the recess 323 and bonded thereto, such as usingadhesive 321. Thus, the male magnetic element 322 may be bonded to theprojection 320.

Although the male magnetic element 322 is illustrated and described asbonded to the projection 320, it is understood that this is an example.In various implementations, the projection 320 itself may be magneticand a separate male magnetic element 322 may be omitted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

In various implementations, the female magnetic element 312 may be aferromagnetic material (and/or a resin and/or other material doped withferromagnetic material) and the male magnetic element 322 may be apermanent magnet (though in other implementations the female magneticelement 312 may be a permanent magnet and the male magnetic element 322may be a ferromagnetic material). This may allow magnetic attractionbetween the female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 while allowingthe first band segment 103A to be molded around the female magneticelement 312. Molding may involve subjecting the female magnetic element312 to high temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures may degrade theperformance of permanent magnets. Thus, using ferromagnetic material forthe female magnetic element 312 instead of a permanent magnet may avoiddegradation from molding temperatures. As bonding may not expose themale magnetic element 322 to molding temperatures, bonding the maleclasp assembly 316 to the second band segment 103B may allow use of thepermanent magnet without degradation.

However, it is understood that this is an example. In otherimplementations, ferromagnetic material may be used for the femalemagnetic element 312 and may be magnetized after the first band segment103A is molded around the female magnetic element 312. This may beaccomplished by subjecting the first band segment 103A to a magneticfield. In this way, the female magnetic element 312 may be magnetizedwithout degrading performance due to the high temperatures of molding.

Further, in other implementations, the female magnetic element 312 maybe bonded to the first band segment 103A. Similarly, the second bandsegment 103B may be molded around the male magnetic element 322. In suchan implementation, the female magnetic element 312 may be a permanentmagnet and the male magnetic element may be a ferromagnetic material.

Additionally, in still other implementations, the second band segment103B may be molded around a ferromagnetic material that forms the malemagnetic element 322 and is subsequently magnetized. In this way, themale magnetic element 322 may be magnetized without degradingperformance due to the high temperatures of molding.

FIG. 3B depicts removal of the projection 320 of the male clasp assembly316 from one of the cavities 313. FIG. 3C depicts positioning of theremoved projection 320 in another of the cavities 313. As the cavitiesare variously positioned along the first band segment 103A, changing thecavity 313 in which the projection 320 in is positioned may adjust acombined coupled length of the first and second band segments.

FIG. 4A depicts the female mating component 311 by itself. The femalemating component 311 may include a recess 430 into which the femalemagnetic element 312 may be bonded. FIG. 4B depicts a top view of thefemale mating component 311 after bonding of the female magnetic element312. FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the female matingcomponent 311 of FIG. 4B, taken along line B-B of FIG. 4B. As shown, thefemale magnetic element 312 is bonded to the female mating component311, via the adhesive 327, and on an opposite side of the female matingcomponent 311 from the alignment feature 314. FIG. 4D depicts the firstband segment 103A, after molding of the first band segment 103A aroundfemale magnetic elements 312 and the female mating components 311.Though FIG. 4D illustrates six aligned female mating components 311, itis understood that this is an example. In various implementations, othernumbers of female mating components 311 may be arranged in variousconfigurations without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5B depict exploded and assembled views of the male claspassembly 316 coupled to the second band segment 103B. As illustrated,the second retaining structure 319 may be bonded to the shelf 328, whichis positioned in the aperture 317, by the adhesive 326. The malemagnetic element 322 may be affixed in the recess 323 of the firstretaining structure 318 by the adhesive 321. The first retainingstructure 318 may be bonded to the shelf 328 (on an opposite side of theshelf 328 to which the second retaining structure 319 is bonded) by theadhesive 325, thus positioning part of the first retaining structure 318in the cavity 324 of the second retaining structure 319.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the components of the male mating claspassembly 316 (other than the projection 320) may be flush and/orrecessed into the second band segment 103B after coupling. This mayprevent the components of the male mating clasp assembly 316 other thanthe projection 320 from scratching and/or otherwise contacting objectsduring use. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1-3C, the first band segment 103Amay obscure the projection 320 when the first and second band segments103A and 103B are clasped as the projection 320 is positioned in acavity 313 and covered by the first band segment 103A. As such, theprojection 320 may also be prevented from scratching and/or otherwisecontacting objects during use.

Although the above illustrates and describes the female and malemagnetic elements 312 and 322 as configured such that they attract eachother whenever the projection 320 is positioned in the cavity 313, it isunderstood that this is an example. In various implementations, thefemale and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may be configured suchthat they magnetically attract each other in certain positions and donot attract each other, attract each other less strongly, and/or repeleach other in other positions.

For example, the female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may beconfigured with surfaces having polarity patterns made up of multiplepositive and negative areas. The positive and negative areas on thesurfaces of the female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may opposeeach other (e.g., positive areas of one surface aligned with negativeareas of the opposing surface and so on) when the projection 320 ispositioned in the cavity 313 and the first and second band segments 103Aand 103B are aligned lengthwise, thus magnetically attracting the femaleand male magnetic elements 312 and 322 to each other. Rotating the firstor second band segments 103A and 103B may move the female and malemagnetic elements 312 and 322 with respect to each other such that thepositive and negative areas on the surfaces no longer oppose and maymatch (e.g, positive areas of one surface aligned with positive areas ofthe opposing surface and so on). In such a position, the female and malemagnetic elements 312 and 322 may no longer attract each other and/ormay repel each other, aiding in decoupling of the first and second bandsegments 103A and 103B.

By way of another example, the female and male magnetic elements 312 and322 are illustrated as circularly shaped components. As such, the femaleand male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may be aligned each otherwhenever the projection 320 is positioned in the cavity 313 regardlessof the orientation of the female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322with respect to each other. However, in various implementations, thefemale and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may be shaped such thatthey are aligned in some orientations with respect to each other but notin others.

For example, the female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may beconfigured as triangularly shaped components with correspondingtriangularly shaped gaps or nonmagnetic materials positioned therebetween. In such an example, the triangularly shaped female and malemagnetic elements 312 and 322 may align (and thus magnetically attract)when the projection 320 is positioned in the cavity 313 and the firstand second band segments 103A and 103B are aligned lengthwise. However,when the first and second band segments 103A and 103B are moved suchthat they are not aligned lengthwise, the triangularly shaped female andmale magnetic elements 312 and 322 may be misaligned. When thetriangularly shaped female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 aremisaligned, they may no longer magnetically attract each other or maynot as strongly attract each other.

Additionally, in some implementations, though the above describes movingthe first and/or second band segments 103A and 103B to change theorientations of the female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322, it isunderstood that this is an example. In some implementations,orientations of the female and male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may bechangeable by a movement mechanism incorporated into the first and/orsecond band segment 103A and 103B.

For example, the female and/or male magnetic elements 312 and 322 may bemounted on a gear system that is connected to a button or other inputmechanism. The gear system can be actuated by a user via the inputmechanism. When actuated, gears of the gear system move and transfersuch motion to the female and/or male magnetic elements 312 and 322.Movement of the female and/or male magnetic elements 312 and 322 changesthe orientations of the female and/or male magnetic elements 312 and322. Changing the orientations of the female and/or male magneticelements 312 and 322 may couple, decouple, and/or aid in decoupling thefirst and second band segments 103A and 103B.

Further, the female mating component 311 is illustrated as surrounding aperimeter of the projection 320 when the projection 320 is positioned inthe cavity 313. As such, the female and male magnetic elements 312 and322 may be moved further apart from each other in order to decouple thefirst and second band segments 103A and 103B. Motion of the female andmale magnetic elements 312 and 322 with respect to each other may bedifficult due to magnetic attraction, as compared to moving the femaleand male magnetic elements 312 and 322 laterally with respect to eachother (e.g., in a shear direction). Since the female mating component311 surrounds the perimeter of the projection 320, the projection 320 isprevented from moving such that the female and male magnetic elements312 and 322 move laterally with respect to each other.

However, in some implementations, a gap may be configured in the femalemating component 311 so that the female and male magnetic elements 312and 322 can be moved laterally with respect to each other until they nolonger attract, or do not attract, one another as strongly. In someexamples, the gap may substantially correspond to the dimensions of theprojection 320. This may enable the projection 320 to move through thegap while reducing the possibility that the projection will move throughthe gap when not moved by a user, which may result in unintentionallydecoupling the first and second band segments 103A and 103B.

Further, such a gap may be formed on the female mating component 311 toreduce the possibility that the projection 320 will move through the gapwithout being intentionally moved by a user. For example, the tensionbetween the first and second band segments 103A and 103B related tobeing coupled around a user's body part may exert force on the male andfemale mating components 311 and 316 in a direction parallel to thelongwise dimension of the first and second band segments 103A and 103B.The gap may be formed perpendicular to the longwise dimension of thefirst band segment 103A. In this way, the tension between the first andsecond band segments 103A and 103B related to being coupled would notmove the projection through the gap. Instead, the male and female matingcomponents 311 and 316 may remain coupled until a force is exerted by auser perpendicular to the longwise dimension of the first band segment103A in the direction of the gap to move the projection 320 through thegap.

For example, FIG. 6A depicts an example band segment 603A that includessuch a gap 650. As shown, the cavity 613 is connected to the gap 650,which extends through to the edge of the band segment 603A. A projectionof a male mating component of a band segment such as the second bandsegment 103B of FIG. 3A may be moved through the gap 650 into the cavity613 perpendicularly with respect to the longwise dimension of the bandsegment 603A to couple the band segment with the example band segment603A. Conversely, the projection may be moved from the cavity 613 outthrough the gap 650 perpendicularly with respect to the longwisedimension of the band segment 603A to decouple couple the band segmentfrom the example band segment 603A.

FIG. 6B depicts a cross-sectional view of the example band segment 603Aof FIG. 6A. As shown, the example band segment 603A includes a femalemating component 611. The female mating component 611 has a femalemagnetic element 612 affixed thereto by adhesive 627. The female matingcomponent 611 is shaped to define the gap 650 shown in FIG. 6A.

Additionally, although FIGS. 6A-6B are described as including a gap 650extending through a dimension of the example band segment 603A, it isunderstood that this is an example. In various implementations, thecavity 613 may be formed with differing dimensions than a projection ofa male mating component of a band segment (such as the second bandsegment 103B of FIG. 3A) that may be coupled to the example band segment603A. The female magnetic element 612 may be positioned on or under aportion of such a cavity 613 and not on or under other portions suchthat the projection may be translated within the cavity 613 to coupleand/or decouple the band segment and the example band segment 603A. Insuch an implementation, the cavity 613 may thus not extend through theexample band segment 603A.

For example, FIG. 7A depicts an example band segment 703A that includesa cavity 713 connected to a channel 751. The dimensions of the cavity713 may correspond to a projection of a male mating component of a bandsegment (such as the second band segment 103B of FIG. 3A) that may becoupled to the example band segment 703A. One or more dimensions of thechannel 751 may be larger than the projection. The projection insertedinto the channel 751 and then moved into the cavity 713 to couple theband segment and the example band segment 703A. Conversely, theprojection may be moved from the cavity 713 into the channel 751 andremoved therefrom to decouple couple the band segment from the exampleband segment 703A. Further, the larger dimension of the channel 751 ascompared to the projection may guide insertion of the projection intothe channel 751.

FIG. 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of the example band segment 703Aof FIG. 7A. As shown, the example band segment 703A includes a femalemating component 711. The female mating component 711 has a femalemagnetic element 712 affixed thereto by adhesive 727. The female matingcomponent 711 is shaped to define the cavity 713 and the channel 751shown in FIG. 7A. As shown, the female magnetic element 712 ispositioned on the female mating component 711 so as to align with a malemagnetic element of the projection when the projection is positioned inthe cavity 713, but not when the projection is positioned in the channel751.

FIGS. 8-9 depict additional examples of a band segments 803A and 803A inaccordance with further embodiments. The band segments 803A and/or 903Amay be utilized with the second band segment 103B and/or the wearableelectronic device 100 of FIG. 1 without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

In contrast with the first band segment 103A of FIG. 3A, the bandsegment 803A may have one or more cavities 813 defined in its surface.In this example, the alignment feature 814 may be a shaped edge orcorner of the band segment 803A around the cavity 813. The band segment803A may also include one or more female magnetic elements 812 embeddedin the band segment 803A. The female magnetic element 812 may bedisposed underneath the cavity 813.

In some implementations, the band segment 803A may be molded around thefemale magnetic element 812. The female magnetic element 812 may beferromagnetic material, resin doped with ferromagnetic material, and soon. The female magnetic element 812 may be magnetized after molding bysubjecting the band segment 803A to a magnetic field.

Contrasted with the first band segment 103A, the band segment 903A mayinclude an upper portion 940 bonded to a lower portion 941, such as byadhesive 944. The upper portion 940 may be molded to define one or morecavities 942. One or more female magnetic elements 912 (which may bepermanent magnets, ferromagnetic material, resin and/or other materialdoped with ferromagnetic material, and/or other magnetic elements) maybe bonded to the upper portion 940 in the cavities 942, again byadhesive 943. The lower portion 941 may be molded to define one or morecavities 913 with alignment features 914 adjacent the cavities. In thisway, permanent magnets may be used in the band segment 903A withoutdegrading magnetic performance as the upper and lower portions 940 and941 may be separately assembled and then bonded together.

Although the above describes affixing the upper portion 940 to the lowerportion 941 using adhesive 944 and affixing female magnetic elements 912to the upper portion 940 using adhesive 943, it is understood thatadhesives 933 and 944 are examples. In various implementations, otheraffixing mechanisms and techniques may be utilized without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in variousimplementations, ultrasonic welding may be used.

Although the above describes magnetic clasps in the context of bands, itis understood that this is an example. In various implementations,attachment mechanisms other than bands may be utilized without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, although the above describes magnetic band clasps in thecontext of wearable electronic devices, it is understood that this is anexample. In various implementations, magnetic clasps may be used with avariety of different devices without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts an example method 1000 of forming magnetic band clasp.The example method 1000 may form one or more of the magnetic band claspsillustrated in FIGS. 1-7B.

At 1010, a female magnetic element is bonded to a female matingcomponent. The female magnetic element may be ferromagnetic material.The female mating component may be nonmagnetic material such as plastic,stainless steel, and so on. The female mating component may have arecess in which the female magnetic element is bonded using adhesive.The female mating component may define a cavity (or recess) on anopposing surface from the recess. The female mating component may alsoinclude alignment feature, such as a curved corner or edge, formedadjacent the cavity.

At 1020, a first band segment may be molded around the female matingcomponent. The first band segment may be molded around the female matingcomponent after the female magnetic element is bonded to the femalemating component. In some implementations, the first band segment may bemolded around multiple female mating components.

At 1030, a male magnetic element may be bonded within a protrusion (orplug) of a male mating component. The male magnetic element may bebonded using adhesive. The male magnetic element may be a permanentmagnet. The protrusion may be shaped correspondingly to the cavitydefined by the female mating component.

At 1040, the male mating component may be bonded to a second bandsegment. The male mating component may be bonded to a shelf recessedinto an aperture of the second band segment using adhesive. The firstand second band segments may be coupleable by inserting the protrusioninto the cavity, magnetically coupling the male and female matingcomponents via magnetic attraction of the male and female magneticelements.

Although the example method 1000 is illustrated and described asincluding particular operations performed in a particular order, it isunderstood that this is an example. In various implementations, variousorders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may beperformed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in some implementations, the example method 1000 mayinclude the additional operation of configuring the cavity in the femalemating component prior to bonding the female magnetic elements tosurfaces of the female mating components opposite the cavity.Subsequently, the first band segment may be molded around the femalemating component. Configuration of the cavity may include forming acurved corner or other alignment feature in the female mating componentproximate to the cavity.

By way of another example, in some implementations, the example method1000 may include the additional operation of subjecting the first bandsegment to a magnetic field. The operation of subjecting the first bandsegment to a magnetic field may be performed after molding the firstband segment around the female mating components, thus magnetizing thefemale magnetic elements. However, in some cases, the operation ofsubjecting the first band segment to a magnetic field may be performedduring molding of the first band segment.

By way of another example, in various implementations, the examplemethod 1000 may include configuring the recessed shelf of the secondband segment. The operation of configuring the recessed shelf may beperformed prior to bonding of the male mating component to the secondband segment.

By way of still another example, in various implementations, the examplemethod 1000 may include positioning the female magnetic elementproximate to the recess. In various examples, such an operation may bepart of molding the first band segment around the female matingcomponent.

As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, thepresent disclosure relates to magnetic band clasps for wearableelectronic devices. A female clasp assembly of a first band segmentdefines one or more cavities with one or more magnetic elements disposedunderneath. A male clasp assembly of a second band segment includes aprojection having a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction between themagnetic elements couples the first and second band segments when theprojection is positioned in the cavity. This may allow for simple andefficient coupling and decoupling of the band segments without usingtraditional clasping mechanisms that project through band segmentsand/or have exposed portions during use that can damage other surfaces.In implementations where the female clasp assembly includes multiplecavities, changing which of the cavities the projection is positioned inadjusts a combined coupled length of the first and second band segments.

In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented assets of instructions or software readable or executable by a device.Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of stepsin the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In otherembodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method canbe rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. Theaccompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in asample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to thespecific order or hierarchy presented.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic band clasp for a wearable electronicdevice, comprising: a first band segment comprising a molded elastomerdefining a continuous first surface and a second surface opposite thefirst surface; a female clasp assembly, coupled to the first bandsegment, comprising: a female mating component defining a cavity andincluding an alignment feature, the female mating component disposedwithin the molded elastomer along the second surface; and a femalemagnetic element coupled to the female mating component, wherein thecontinuous first surface extends across the female mating component andthe female magnetic element; a second band segment; and a male claspassembly coupled to the second band segment, comprising: a male matingcomponent including a projection; and a male magnetic element coupled tothe male mating component; wherein: magnetic attraction between the malemagnetic element and the female magnetic element couples the first andsecond band segments when the projection is positioned in the cavity;and the alignment feature guides inserting the projection into thecavity.
 2. The magnetic band clasp of claim 1, wherein: the malemagnetic element comprises a permanent magnet; and the female magneticelement comprises ferromagnetic material.
 3. The magnetic band clasp ofclaim 1, wherein the alignment feature comprises a tapered edge adjacentthe cavity.
 4. The magnetic band clasp of claim 3, wherein the taperededge is curved.
 5. The magnetic band clasp of claim 1, wherein thefemale mating component comprises at least one of plastic or metal. 6.The magnetic band clasp of claim 1, wherein the female mating componentis formed of a nonmagnetic material.
 7. The magnetic band clasp of claim1, wherein the first band segment obscures the projection when theprojection is positioned in the cavity.
 8. An adjustable band for awearable electronic device, comprising: a first band segment comprisinga molded elastomer; sockets defined by the molded elastomer on a side ofthe first band segment; first band segment magnetic elements, each ofthe first band segment magnetic elements being entirely surrounded bythe molded elastomer and being aligned with one of the sockets; a secondband segment; a protrusion coupled to the second band segment; and aprotrusion magnetic element coupled to the protrusion; wherein magneticattraction between the protrusion magnetic element and one of the firstband segment magnetic elements couples the first and second bandsegments when the protrusion is positioned in the one of the sockets. 9.The adjustable band of claim 8, further comprising adhesive bonding theprotrusion magnetic element to the protrusion.
 10. The adjustable bandof claim 8, further comprising adhesive bonding the protrusion to thesecond band segment.
 11. The adjustable band of claim 8, furthercomprising a first retaining structure on which the protrusion isdisposed, the first retaining structure bonded to a shelf located in anaperture defined by the second band segment.
 12. The adjustable band ofclaim 11, further comprising: a second retaining structure bonded to theshelf opposite the first retaining structure; wherein a portion of thefirst retaining structure is positioned within a cavity defined by thesecond retaining structure.
 13. The adjustable band of claim 8, whereinthe protrusion is covered by the first band segment when the first andsecond band segments are coupled together.
 14. The adjustable band ofclaim 8, wherein the first band segment and the second band segment areformed of at least one of silicone or fluoroelastomer.
 15. An adjustableband for a wearable electronic device, comprising: a first band segmentcomprising: an upper portion; and a lower portion bonded to the upperportion and defining sockets; multiple first band segment magneticelements surrounded by the upper portion and the lower portion, each ofthe first band segment magnetic elements being aligned with one of thesockets; a second band segment; a protrusion coupled to the second bandsegment; and a protrusion magnetic element coupled to the protrusion;wherein magnetic attraction between the protrusion magnetic element andone of the first band segment magnetic elements couples the first andsecond band segments when the protrusion is positioned in the one of thesockets.
 16. The adjustable band of claim 15, further comprisingadhesive bonding the protrusion magnetic element to the protrusion. 17.The adjustable band of claim 15, further comprising adhesive bonding theprotrusion to the second band segment.
 18. The adjustable band of claim15, wherein the protrusion is covered by the first band segment when thefirst and second band segments are coupled together.
 19. The adjustableband of claim 15, wherein the first band segment and the second bandsegment are formed of at least one of silicone or fluoroelastomer.